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Join Victim Services of Montgomery County, Inc. (VSC) for a virtual Survivor Solidarity Run event in recognition of Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM) on May 2, 2020. April is SAAM and this event will conclude SAAM events. We wanted to hold this at a local park but due to COVID-19 concerns, we will continue this event by making it a virtual, online event where we can run, walk, stroll or roll at your selected safe and healthy location. The goal of Survivor Solidarity Run is to raise awareness about forms of sexual violence, to share ways to support victims/survivors and to educate communities on how to prevent it. “As victim advocates and therapists we know how powerful it is for survivors to be publicly supported by friends, loved ones, and partners,” said Mary Onama, LMSW, executive director of VSC. “This event will be a time to honor survivors and celebrate their resilience.”
As victim advocates and therapists we know how powerful it is for survivors to be publicly supported by friends, loved ones, and partners. This event will be a time to honor survivors and celebrate their resilience.
--Mary Onama, LMSW, Executive Director of VSC
The CDC estimates that 1 in 4 women and 1 in 6 men in the United States have been the victim of sexual assault or abuse. Victims often struggle with health problems, post-traumatic stress syndrome, addiction, and feelings of guilt and shame. VSC helps victims by providing counseling for survivors and loved ones as well as an advocacy program to help victims navigate the legal system. Last year, VSC served more than 3,000 survivors of sexual assault / abuse. All VSC services are free. “Survivors often struggle to get access to counseling for a variety of reasons,” said Onama, citing the shortage of mental health providers and difficulties of cost and insurance. “Our help is free. Our services are free. We can operate this way because of community support. Every gift you make to VSC supports our mission.” This free event will kick off on Facebook Live at 10:00am on May 2nd. You can then run, wall, stroll or roll at any safe and healthy location. Wear teal the SAAM color or/and run/walk with a handmade a sign! We invite you to upload pictures to share and show your support for survivors. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter @VSCMontCoPA and tag us in your posts with #vscSAAMrun hashtag! Register now to get access to the awareness kit and learn how to support victim/survivors with free of charge agency services! Please email education@vscmontcopa.org if you have any questions about this event. About VSC
Victim Services of Montgomery County, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) organization in Norristown, Pennsylvania. Founded in 1974 as Women Against Rape, Victim Services of Montgomery County has helped crime victims for over 40 years. VSC serves victims of crime and their loved ones with counseling, advocacy, and education, including a 24/7 crisis hotline at 1-888-521-0983. All VSC services are free and confidential.
